As the curator of East River Pier 35, I'm often asked about the secret to maintaining the park's seemingly wild and natural beauty. The answer lies in the careful balance of human labor, design, and eco-conscious practices. From composting food waste to seeding native plants, our team works tirelessly to create an environment that not only thrives but also supports local biodiversity. In the spring, we focus on preparing the soil for new growth, adding organic matter and nutrients to the compost. As the weather warms up, we seed native plants, such as wildflowers and grasses, which provide a habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Summer brings an abundance of growth, and our team works to maintain the balance of the ecosystem, pruning and trimming plants to ensure they don't overgrow and outcompete each other. In the fall, we harvest seeds from the native plants, saving them for the next season's planting. We also begin to prepare the soil for the winter months, adding a layer of compost and mulch to protect the roots of the plants from the cold. Winter may seem like a time of dormancy, but it's actually a critical period for maintenance. We use this time to plan and prepare for the upcoming season, reviewing what worked well and what didn't, and making adjustments to our strategies. Through this process, we've created a thriving ecosystem that not only supports local wildlife but also provides a unique and ever-changing experience for visitors. So next time you visit East River Pier 35, take a closer look at the natural beauty around you, and appreciate the human labor and design that goes into creating this seemingly wild park.